September 3, 2009
A meeting of the University Council was held on Thursday, September 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the Student Commons Theater, located at 907 Floyd Avenue.
The following members and alternates were present:
Officers: Dr. Michael Rao, Chair; Dr. Stephen D. Gottfredson, Vice Chair; and Ms. Elaine S. Abernethy, Recording Secretary.
Administration: Dr. Cecil Drain, Dr. Timothy Hulsey, Dr. Victor Yanchick, Dr. F. Douglas Boudinot, Ms. Cynthia H. Andrews, Mr. John M. Bennett, Dr. Laura J. Moriarty, Mr. Donald C. J. Gehring, Dr. Francis L. Macrina, Ms. Sue A. Messmer, Dr. Henry G. Rhone, Mr. Mark D. Willis, Mr. John Ulmschneider, and Mr. Peter L. Wyeth.
Faculty: Dr. Amy J. Armstrong, Dr. Dianne F. Simons, Dr. Christian Von Howard, Dr. Charles M. Byles, Dr. George E. Hoffer, Dr. Joan Pellegrini, Dr. Brent Arnold, Dr. Gabriel Reich, Dr. Krzystof Cios, Dr. Frank Gupton, Dr. Linda A. Corey, Mr. Daniel L. Ream, Dr. Helen Ruth Aspaas, Ms. Charlotte C. Morse, Dr. John Kneebone, Dr. Glenda U. Palmer, Dr. Inez Tuck, Dr. Jeanne Walter, Dr. Joanne Peart, Dr. David Fauri, and Ms. Teresa Doherty.
Classified staff: Ms. Beverly Beaver, Ms. Melissa Celik, Ms. Linda Johnston, and Ms. Pam Mason.
Students: Mr. Roberto Celis, Ms. Leah A. Fremouw, Mr. Ta’Shawn Lyle, Ms. Adele McClure, Mr. Gabriel Walker, Ms. Sara Cox, Mr. Craig Anthony, Ms. Jennifer Barber, and Mr. Sebastian Haines.
Guests: Dr. Robert Andrews, Ms. Carmen Bell, Dr. Frank Baskind, Dr. Charles Klink, Dr. Thomas Huff, Ms. Pamela D. Lepley, M s. Kelly Myles, Ms. Martha Parrish, Dr. Napoleon Peoples, Dr. Reuban Rodriguez, Dr. David Sarrett, Dr. Jerome Strauss, Ms. Delores Taylor, Mr. Jonathan G. Ward, and Ms. Velma Williams.
Dr. Rao welcomed Council members and asked for introductions around the room. The minutes of the April 27, 2009, University Council meeting were approved.
The Monroe Park Campus SGA Constitution was presented. Dr. Rodriguez discussed the background and highlights of the revisions to the constitution. Mr. Walker, Monroe Park Campus SGA President, made a request to table this item until the October 2009, UC meeting to allow more time for Council members to review. A general discussion followed regarding clarification on different issues with Drs. Rhone and Rodriguez and Messrs. Walker and Ward responding to questions. It was noted that the Council will be sent two documents (one with highlighted changes and one finalized version) for review prior to the October meeting.
Proposed Revisions to the Faculty Grievance Policy were presented. Dr. Corey discussed the proposed revisions and responded to questions. On motion made and seconded, the Proposed Revisions to the Faculty Grievance Policy were approved.
The Report of the President was presented. Dr. Rao discussed priorities, to include: good teaching and learning, research pledge and commitment to the people of Virginia. He noted that VCU needs to position itself well, make the best of every situation and come out stronger. A general discussion followed with Dr. Rao responding to questions.
An Admissions Report was presented. Dr. Rhone noted that it is nice that the university is at a point of maturity that it does not have to worry about reaching that magic enrollment number. Ms. Taylor discussed enrollment statistics, noting that we expect to reach our goal of 32,600 students, while focusing on the mix of students and type of student that we want at VCU. Dr. Boudinot discussed graduate admissions, noting the increase in masters’ applications and acceptances than in years past. Recruitment efforts focusing on Latino students were discussed as well as the addition of a Saturday program to host Spanish students and their families and collaborations with the Hispanic community and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A general discussion followed with Drs. Rao and Boudinot and Ms. Taylor responding to questions.
University Council elections were held.
The meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
